Commander addresses T-Bolts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 56th Fighter WIng Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander, voiced his praises and concerns during commander's calls at the base theater and Club Thunderbolt May 14
through 18.
 
While General Jones took the stage to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding Thunderbolts and organizations that contributed to the wing's overall success, he stressed issues to the audience that require attention; driving under the influence, safety, future base changes and upcoming events. 

Within the four week period between March 31 and April 28, seven Airmen were apprehended for DUI. 

He encouraged Airmen to use the programs which have been established, such as Airmen Against Drunk Driving and the wingman system, which can save Airmen days in jail, expensive fines, injury, loss of life or career-ending consequences. 

Not only does it affect the wing mission, but the Airmen involved. 

According to General Jones, first time offenders can receive up to the maximum penalty, if apprehended for extreme DUI off base, which include: 

-Confinement up to 30 consecutive days in county jail.
-$1,500 in fines and $1,000 to $10,000 in legal fees
-90-day suspension of license
-Probation of five years
-Installation of ignition interlock device (breathalyzer) on car
 
If there is a child in the car, multiply fines by ten. 

The reprimand for the individual may also include the following military consequences:
-Trial by court martial
-14 days confinement
-Two-stripe reduction in grade
-Loss of base driving privileges
-Forfeiture of pay
-Discharge from service
 
While General Jones expressed the negative images that have affected some Airmen, he also talked of improvements on base, which include new construction on base, such as the Litchfield Road overpass, a new dorm and a roundabout. 

"There are growing pains associated with the ongoing construction, but it is a sign of a vibrant base," he said.
 
He reminded Airmen about upcoming events, such as the AETC Safety Day today, which is the official start of the 101 Critical Days of Summer; a farewell dinner for Col. David Orr, 56th FW vice wing commander and the 60th Anniversary Air Force Ball.
 
Last but not least, the general reminded the audience that customs and courtesies are still important. Airmen must render the proper courtesies when they see staff cars or government-owned vehicles displaying a placard.
 
Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell Stipple, 56th FW command chief, also took to the stage to congratulate Luke's Airmen on continuing the rich legacy that has been bestowed on them by Airmen that have come before. He ended his message by stating the basics of proper uniform wear.
 
General Jones noted the accomplishments of organizations on base. The 56th FW was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The 56th Maintenance Group won the Clements McMullen Memorial Daedalian Weapon System Maintenance trophy. The 56th Civil Engineer Squadron received the Commander in Chief 's Special Recognition for Installation Excellence in the areas of energy savings performance, contract programs, the engineering training team programs and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. The 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is being awarded the Air Force Association Aerospace Awards Citation of Honor.
 
Recognition was also given to Master Sgt. Ramon Barajas, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron; Master Sgts. Tony Griffin and Ryan Evans, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron; James Fitzpatrick, 56th CES and Bernard Bruce, 56th FW Safety for receiving Air Force-level awards and making Luke a better place to work and live. 

For more information on AADD, see story on page 18. For more information on new legislation that stiffens penalties for DUI offenders, see story on page 6.